Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk
of HAV and HBV infections. However, the amount of those vaccinated or seeking
vaccination for these infections is far less than those at risk. The American
Social Health Association proposed a five-year Internet based project to
increase awareness of, knowledge about, and intentions to get hepatitis A and
hepatitis B vaccinations in the MSM online community. The aim of this project is
three fold:

First, compile data on MSM’s current
knowledge, attitudes and vaccination practices with regard to hepatitis A and
B

Second, assess health education campaign
preferences in the MSM community

Third, design, implement, and evaluate an
effective campaign strategy that increases the knowledge and vaccination rates
of MSMs with regard to hepatitis A and B.

Project collaborators include viral hepatitis
academic and clinic experts, health communicators, and population
representatives. ASHA gratefully acknowledges the enormous contributions of
GayHealth.com, Cohn and Wolfe, and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s Division of Viral Hepatitis.

For more information on this study and/or the American Social Health
Association, please visit www.ashastd.org